Have been working on my birds... I have one near completion and two that are 'stuffed' and ready for their paper mache layers. Gluing layers of paper mache starts to get a bit boring, however, once dry and painted I can start on the feathers. I get to read my old books at the same time as cutting out the feathers!! These birds were born from my love of children's books. I have piles.. and piles.. and piles.. oh and a couple of suitcases full... All of them pre date 1979 as I only collect 'vintage' ones! Ones that have lost their spines or been scribbled in go to my art room to await 'rebirth' All of my birds have a covering of book pages and each feather has been cut from a page. The majority of my birds will be black and white with a pop of colour on the wings, tails and legs...:

My statement: These birds have been born from my love of books, both reading and collecting. I have suitcases overflowing with vintage books for children, who knows of the effect that the digital revolution will have on the paper word. Books allow me to grow wings and be transported to other worlds, give me comfort and provide a bond with my children who are also avid readers. Inspired by Dr Seuss, these Long Legged Birdies have bodies made from pages of books that have been rescued from the bin, ripped and spineless; the pages are now reloved and given ‘life’ ​‘From your parents you learn love and laughter and how to put one foot before the other but when books are opened you discover that you have wings’ Helen Hayes 1900-1993

​Sadly my schools are now coming to the end of their sculpture time... Happily they all have an amazing piece that they are very proud of.. Cannot wait to see them all on the Rockingham Foreshore in October.

Between now and then I have a few EOI's to write up and also to prepare for a crazy Castaways week in the school tent. We are creating puppets this year and I think I have invented something pretty unique - I shall pop onto my next blog... the wait will be worth it... I promise!!